Oriental Hornbeam

Description:
Large pyramidal deciduous shrub to small tree with distinctive twisted branching pattern that provides winter interest. Leaves are simple, alternate and glossy green 1-2 inches in length. Slow-growing to a height of 25 feet; spread 20 feet. The flowers are wind-pollinated pendulous catkins, produced in spring. The male and female flowers are on separate catkins, but on the same tree (monoecious). The fruit is a small nut about 3-6 mm long, held in a leafy bract.

Cultivation:For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow seed in autumn into pots using standard loam-based seed compost. Cover with coarse grit, then place outside exposed to all weathers. Germination occurs when the temperature reaches a constant 10 degrees Celsius. Grow on for 2 seasons before planting out. Grow in well-drained soil in sun to part shade. Tolerant of a variety of soil types. Drought-tolerant. Can withstand hard pruning.